How to create an alias for an object's properties?
You can't rename an object's properties, but you could extend it via its RNA, or add a custom ID.  IIRC, you can then add a driver to the original property, so head.nod ->> head.rx.  See here:

https://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Dev:Py/Scripts/Cookbook/Code_snippets/Properties

That said, if animation channel usability is what you're after (judging by the names of your example) you might be better off just making a bone called 'nod' and then driving whichever axis is going to rotate that head downwards.  

Not as extensible as Maya, for sure!